By Jyesha Nance
On Jan. 10 former Michigan head Coach Jim Harbough vouched that athletes should earn a share of the revenue they help produce. He emphasized that players should have more than NIL rights. Following his statement, The House Subcommittee set a meeting for Jan. 18 to discuss NIL guidelines. Over 30 states have their own NIL laws, creating a patchwork of regulations. Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti and Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick advocate for a national NIL standard, believing the issue requires Congressional intervention.
Lawmakers are frustrated with the current NIL situation, with many opposing the classification of athletes as employees. The Jan. 18 meeting, lasting three and half hours, featured Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., proposing a bill to maintain college sports’ integrity. Democrats like Reps. Trahan, Jan Schakowsky, Ill.; Debbie Dingell, Mich.; and Frank Pallone, N.J. called for a bill addressing athlete welfare, including medical coverage and Title IX enforcement.
NCAA Pres. Charlie Baker announced rules effective in August to cover athletically related injuries for two years post-college. He proposed a trust fund for athletes and supported NIL deals to promote gender equity, contrasting with collectives focusing on football players. He also proposed for a new competitive subdivision whose schools would be required to put at least $30,000 into “an enhanced educational trust fund” for at least half of their athletes while remaining in compliance with Title IX.Â
Sources: